Get the top tips, plans, information, handouts, forms and fliers you need to implement AAC with confidence. Teach nonverbal students to use core words and fringe vocabulary with fidelity.You will find:Background: What is AAC and What Does it Look

Get the tools you need to help your child/student become an effective communicator with AAC. Learn how to implement AAC and teach core words to students. Getting started with implementing augmentative communication doesn't have to be fancy, but it

Let me help you with your students who use AAC (augmentative-alternative communication). I can help you with knowing where to start, and what best practices are. Start by watching my AAC from A-Z videos with tips to help you.
In this first video, I

If you are working with students who need to use AAC (augmentative-alternative communication) and are looking for tips for best practices for implementation, this video series is for you.
This video is #2 in a series about teaching strategies for

If you are supporting or or providing intervention to an augmentative alternative communication user, knowing the important steps in creating a useful system and a competent communicator is key.
Core words are the words we use the most to generate

The AAC from A to Z series continues with another explainer video; this time about expanding the functions of communication your AAC user can use. This is about moving on beyond simple requesting and/or choice-making, so that your AAC user can say

Low-tech options for AAC can include paper-based communication boards and books. In general, communication boards lack the robust vocabulary an AAC user needs; particularly when they offer no way to talk about something that is not specific to that

If you are new to AAC, then this series of free explainer videos is a great first step to take. Let me help you learn what you need to know, as well as, provide the materials with which to do so. From free resources to big money-saving bundles, I

If you are relatively new to the field of AAC and need to start supporting students who use it, this video explainer series is for you! Learn about crucial steps in implementation and explanations of terms and processes.
This video is about CVI -

If you are relatively new to the field of AAC, but now have some students to support who use or need it, then this series of free explainer videos is for you! I will teach you about crucial strategies, special populations, and implementation;

For students who have no other way to access AAC, eye gaze is often the answer. Eye gaze can be high or low tech. E-tran boards and paper-based systems use clear acrylic or plain paper and use the borders and corners of the page, with the central

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE

I have been a speech-language pathologist for 40 years, before which I worked with kids with autism. I have been in the classroom, therapy room, and worked as an administrator. I have worked in public and nonpublic schools. I currently specialize in alternative-augmentative communication for nonverbal students and in training staff to implement aac in their classrooms. I teach workshops locally and nationally on augmentative communication and on teaching literacy skills to students with complex communication needs, and have written CEU on-line courses for SLPs about AAC. I have published research articles in peer reviewed journals, and spent considerable time working on translating research into practice.

MY TEACHING STYLE

Working with students with significant special needs has taught me to do whatever works - which can be different for every student in the group. While I have a strong background in applied behavior analysis from working with kids with autism, I utilize a wide variety of strategies and styles! I want to teach teachers and SLPs to consider all options for teaching students with Complex Communication Needs because we need to presume competence for ALL kids. I feel strongly that if a child doesn't learn HE has not failed. WE have.

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

I have had research papers published in peer review professional journals, and have presented at numerous national and international conferences and on webinars. I have also written more than 16 professional CEU hour courses for an on-line university program for SLPs about AAC. And have recently written a book about AAC implementation for parents, teachers, and SLPs.
My blog has been named one of the top 5 AAC blogs, one of the top100 Language blogs and top 100 speech therapy blogs.

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

I have a B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, M. Ed. in School Administration, and extensive graduate level classes in Special Education (enough for a whole other Master's degree - but why?). I believe this varied background has given me a deeper understanding of what these kids - and their teachers - need.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

I have 2 (grown) children, 1 husband, and 2 cats. I spend as much spare time as I can in my art studio, creating unique jewelry and mixed media assemblage art dolls, or just stealing time for a quick sketch.